A longitudinal study of seaport selection: the perspective of container shipping companies

Purpose Competition among seaports is rapidly increasing due to various factors such as the global recession, resurgence of COVID-19, tight environmental regulations IMO, sharp rise in ocean freight charges, uncertainties and growth ship sizes. It essential have precise knowledge shipping companies' port selection secure competitive advantage seaports. This study aims empirically analyze recent changes importance factors. Design/methodology/approach By employing a longitudinal study, this conducted t -test analysis. The first survey was from January 2005 April 2005. Then, second May 2021. Findings First, facilities (berth length number berths, shed terminal areas, possession adequate equipment maximum berth size) increased significantly. Second, while cargo safety were critical service previous studies, speed, flexibility reliability for handling berthing schedule found be crucial study. Third, arrival/departure frequency, route diversity information systems when companies selected port. Originality/value has academic significance that it reveals changing 2020s taken form on 2021, moving beyond cross-sectional approach. can provide valuable insights into implications policymakers managers developing formulating policies strategies.